Information Security Management for Smart Power Grid - Standards based Approach

The modern electric infrastructure is becoming more and more dependent on automation, information technology and communication systems. The communication system is also changing from traditional closed system with legacy protocols to open protocols based system with third party communication network and interface to the global IP networks. All these developments bring advantages and benefits for the efficient and reliable operation of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and utilization. However, these benefits also bring cyber security threats and unless properly addressed would lead to severe impact. This paper discusses on the security challenges and how those can be addressed adequately following national and international standards with best practices.